Print

Steamed Artichokes

Steamed artichokes garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves on a dark blue plate.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Steamed artichokes are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-prepare appetizer or snack. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients, they make an impressive addition to any meal. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the rich and satisfying taste of steamed artichokes at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 globe artichokes
  • 1 lemon, quartered

For serving:

  • Salt and pepper, olive oil and lemon juice
  • Optional serving: Dipping sauce

Instructions

Prepare the artichokes

  1. Rinse the artichokes in cold water.
  2. Remove the small leaves at the base and any outer leaves that have a woody texture.
  3. Cut off the stem, leaving up to an inch on the artichoke to help fit in the steamer basket.
  4. Cut off the top of the artichoke, about an inch or so, to expose the inner leaves.
  5. Rub the cut side with lemon to prevent browning.
  6. Peel the stem using a vegetable peeler to remove the tough, outer layer, revealing the tender core.
  7. Use kitchen shears to snip off the tips of the thorny leaves.

Steam the artichokes

  1. Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water. The water level should be below the steamer basket or insert when placed inside the pot.
  2. Add the lemon quarters you have used, squeeze the remaining lemon quarters into the water.
  3. Place the steamer basket or insert into the pot, making sure it sits above the water level.
  4. Place the prepared artichokes in the steamer basket. Make sure the artichokes are not overcrowded, allowing space for the steam to circulate evenly.
  5. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, maintaining a gentle simmer.
  6. Steam the artichokes for 25-45 minutes. Cooking time might change depending on their size. Small artichokes may take around 25-30 minutes, while larger ones may require 35-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the water level during steaming and add more water if necessary to prevent the pot from going dry.
  7. Check for doneness by carefully pulling out one of the inner leaves. If it comes out easily and the base is tender when bitten, the artichoke is cooked. You can also insert a knife into the base of the artichoke; it should slide in and out easily when fully cooked.

Serve

  1. Use tongs to carefully remove the steamed artichokes from the steamer basket and transfer them to a serving platter or individual plates.
  2. Allow the artichokes to cool slightly before serving, as they will be very hot. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of your favorite dishes.

Notes

  1. In this method, the choke will remain inside the artichoke during cooking. After the artichoke is cooked, you can easily remove the choke and discard it using a knife. You can see how to do it in the How to Eat Them section above.
  2. Leftover steamed artichokes can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 6 months.
  3. To reheat, place the artichokes in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Nutrition information is approximate and meant as a guideline only.

Nutrition